The first edition of the West African Festival of Arts and Culture (ECOFEST 2025) began in Dakar on November 30, with an opening ceremony chaired by Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko. The event is jointly organized by the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions, in partnership with the Republic of Senegal. The festival aims to promote regional integration through arts and culture, a project that has been in development for nearly thirty-eight years.
Abass Fall, Mayor of Dakar, welcomed participants and highlighted the city’s reputation as a center for arts and culture. He described Dakar as a “cosmopolitan, lively and vibrant city,” and said ECOFEST serves as a bridge between West African peoples and as a platform for promoting regional cultural talents.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko stated: “The Festival seeks to promote integration, social cohesion, peace and development through culture. This ambition is fully aligned with the resolve of the Government of Senegal to make culture a pillar of economic and social development, as well as an essential vector of sovereignty.”
Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr delivered remarks on behalf of Dr. Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission. She said: “I commend the leadership of the President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, for his commitment to culture and sub-regional integration.” She also thanked Abdoulaye Diop, President of the UEMOA Commission, for his role in making ECOFEST possible. Prof. Sarr paid tribute to artists, creators, religious and traditional leaders who she said represent “the living memory of the peoples of West Africa.”
ECOFEST 2025 is linked to ECOWAS Vision 2050—“An ECOWAS of the Peoples: Peace and Prosperity for All”—and emphasizes culture as important for social cohesion and inclusive development. The theme this year is “Political Mutations and Crises in West Africa: What Can Culture Do?” which encourages discussion about how arts can foster resilience and rebuild social ties during times marked by political or security challenges.
The opening ceremony featured performances from artists including Sidiki Diabaté from Mali, Ismaël Lô from Senegal, Solange Cesarovna from Cabo Verde, and Gyakie from Ghana at Grand Théâtre Doudou N’Diaye Coumba Rose.
ECOFEST 2025 will continue until December 6 with exhibitions, concerts, workshops, professional meetings, performances, and cultural exchanges aimed at showcasing artistic diversity across West Africa.